Cryptic
hardNeutral toneKRIP-tik
adjective
Definition
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure
Memory hook
CRYPT-ic: hidden like something buried in a CRYPT - you need to dig to uncover the meaning.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“She left a cryptic message that no one could decipher.”
“His cryptic remarks left everyone wondering what he meant.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“She left a ______ message that no one could decipher.”
Show answer
cryptic
Categories
GRE Tip
Cryptic is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "enigmatic" or "obscure" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "transparent".
Related GRE Words
esoteric
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge
recondite
Little known; abstruse; dealing with very profound, difficult, or specialized subject matter
abstruse
Difficult to understand; obscure
opaque
Not able to be seen through; not transparent; difficult to understand
arcane
Understood by few; mysterious or secret
obfuscate
To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible
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